News
Marietta Company Breaks Ground On Ohio River Water Pumping Station
By: Katie Doup
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The Good River Distribution Company broke ground today on a new state-of-the-art station in Marietta that pumps water from the Ohio River.
"This groundbreaking ceremony is the conclusion of quite an extraordinary journey for all the companies involved as well as those in the community who have been with us the entire way," said John Willoughby, president of Eramet Marietta.
Marietta companies along the Ohio River once received their water, power and steam from American Municipal Power, but when AMP closed down in 2010, the companies along State Route 7 had to come up with a plan to avoid shutting down as well.
Good River Distribution was established in 2010 once AMP announced that it was closing. It's a corporate group that includes Americas Styrenics, Energizer, Eramet Marietta and Solvay Advanced Polymers that will provide the financial backing and permits necessary to provide water to the plants.
The Ohio Port Authority also played a role in the establishment of the company.
"It's wonderful that the port authority was able to work on a project to help maintain the economy in the valley," said Tom Webster, vice-chair for the Ohio Port Authority.
Bill Johnson, U.S. Representative for Ohio's 6th Congressional District, said this groundbreaking signifies great progress for Southeastern Ohio.
"It's a testimony to what can happen when companies and private sector come together to make big things happen," said Johnson.
The project is expected to cost around $10.5 million, supported by bonds issued through the Ohio Enterprise Bond Fund, as well as $6 million in loans from the Ohio Water Development Authority.
Construction on the project is expected to be complete by November.